Athens - Six weeks of sporting celebration ended on a sombre note on Tuesday as the closing ceremony of the Paralympics was cut back because of a tragic school-bus crash.
Seven teenagers died in northern Greece on Monday and 30 other passengers were injured when a bus taking students to watch the Paralympics crashed into an oncoming truck.
"Tonight should have been a night for only celebration," said International Paralympic Committee head Phil Craven.
"Millions of people around the world have experienced 11 days of exceptional Paralympic sport."
Chief Athens organiser Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki did not give a speech.
A minute of silence was observed for the crash victims, while the Greek and Paralympic flags were at half-staff.
Schools will remain closed around Greece on Wednesday in a national day of mourning.
Athens organisers also cancelled the festive segment of the ceremony, including a firework display, the release of balloons and a 30-minute concert.
Tuesday's ceremony ended sporting events and other festivities at Athens' main Olympic stadium. The Paralympics began on August 13 with a lavish opening ceremony.
Spectators clapped in unison as athletes - many in wheelchairs - filed into the stadium.
Chinese athletes held up a red banner that read "See you in Beijing 2008."
The one-hour ceremony was trimmed down to the formalities.
